Upgrade Your Business Lights to Smart Lights
If you still use traditional light bulbs and switches for your business, it’s time to see a commercial electrician and consider upgrading. A move to smart lighting systems can reduce your energy bills and improve functionality, security, and convenience. Here's an overview of the process involved in upgrading business lights to smart lights and the potential benefits:
What Are Smart Lights?
Smart lights use various controls to make it easier to light up your spaces without wasting energy or time. Typical smart lighting allows users to control their lights using a single panel or remotely via smartphone apps.
Some systems include intelligent technologies capable of automating lighting based on motion, temperature, room occupancy, and natural light. Upgrading to smart lighting will also expose you to energy-efficient LED panels and strips and customizable solutions.
Why Upgrade to Smart Lights?
Smart lighting is trendy and modern. They also boast the inherent benefits of today's advanced technology. Here are some of the advantages of upgrading to smart lighting for your business:
a) Save Energy
Smart lighting can reduce your annual utility bills because they eliminate wastage. Some units use sophisticated sensors and motion detectors to determine when to turn lights on/off. If no one is in the room, the lights will go off automatically. Intelligent lighting also focuses on energy-efficient LEDs and options.
b) Safety and Security
Using smart lights keeps your offices, workshops, and business spaces well lit when needed. Motion detecting systems will ensure rooms are lit automatically, eliminating the need to try and search for switches. Using smart outdoor lights can also prevent burglary attempts and improve security, turning on when there's movement.
c) Remote Control
Smart lighting systems feature apps users can install on their smartphones and tablets to leverage remote control. If you forgot to turn off the lights, there's no need to go back to the office/workshop. You can use a sleek phone app to turn off the lights remotely. This feature is also ideal for scaring away thieves and animals when notified of an incident.
d) Easy to Customize
Smart lighting systems offer more customization options to achieve the perfect installation for your needs. Working with an experienced commercial electrician can help you identify unique units and features for the business. You can also change the lights without rewiring anything, and there are various colors, intensities, and features to choose from.
e) Impression and Productivity
Artful lighting will create unique settings and good impressions for your workforce and customers alike. Businesses can also use smart lighting to shift attention and highlight specific areas for better customer engagement.
How to Upgrade to Smart Lights
Upgrading from traditional to smart lighting isn't a light undertaking. You'll need to choose from a wide range of options, determine a budget, and schedule the installation without risking downtime. It's best to work with an experienced commercial electrician who can understand and meet your needs. Below are the steps involved in upgrading to smart business lighting:
1. Complete an Energy Audit
Energy audits can help you calculate how much you are spending on lighting and identify opportunities for cost-saving. The goal is to get a sense of your energy expenditure and make necessary adjustments to reduce the bill. Audits will also reveal the work needed to upgrade to smart, energy-efficient systems.
2. Outline Business Lighting Needs
This process involves taking an inventory of all lights your business uses.
Depending on the company, you may need ambient lighting, accent lighting, task lighting, and/or several other options. An inventory will give you a clear idea of the investment and the units requiring an upgrade. You can then prioritize and schedule upgrades for specific lights.
3. Choose Your Lighting
Businesses have a wide range of intelligent lighting systems and options. You may not need the most sophisticated configuration, but pondering all options is crucial when selecting lights for your business. The most obvious choice is to upgrade to LED lights and strips. You should also consider the following questions:
• Do you need an upgrade for all lights or specific areas (interior/exterior)?
• Will the lighting reduce operating expenses?
• Does the business location receive customers?
• How much will it cost to upgrade to smart lighting?
4. Create the Upgrade Plan
Installing smart lighting systems might seem like a small job, but it comes with a massive upfront cost. You'll need to purchase the lights/panels and schedule installation services without hurting your business. The best solution involves working with a professional and installing when your business is closed. Don’t attempt doing anything on your own.
Reputable Commercial Electrician Services
Smart lighting systems can be expensive if you need several indoor and outdoor installations. Working with an electrician will provide the best outcome and accountability. You can schedule an audit, explore your options, and determine ways to save more on your lighting upgrade.
At Vine Electric, no electrical job is too big or too small. We provide premium-quality commercial lighting services, including installations, retrofits, rewiring, switch upgrades, and troubleshooting. Our team offers personalized services to get the job right on the first attempt.
